In Tajweed (rules for Quran recitation), both Noon Sakin and Tanween have special rules that help us read the Quran correctly. These rules tell us how to pronounce the letters when we see them. Let’s look at each rule in simple terms, with examples to make it clear.

What is Noon Sakin?

Noon Sakin is a Noon (ن) without any vowel (no harakah). It looks like this: نْ. We apply the Tajweed rules when this Noon comes before certain letters.

What is Tanween?

Tanween is a double vowel like(ـً , ـٍ , ـٌ) at the end of a word. It sounds like there is a hidden Noon at the end. For example: كِتَابٌ (Kitaabun). Even though we don’t see a Noon, we hear it in the sound.

1. Izhar (Clear Sound)

In Izhar, we pronounce the Noon Sakin or Tanween clearly. This happens when the next letter is from the throat. The throat letters are: أ, ه, ع, غ, ح, خ. Example:
  • مَنْ آمَنَ (Man Aamana) – Noon Sakin before أ
  • جَنَّةٍ عَالِيَةٍ (Jannatin ‘Aaliyah) – Tanween before ع

2. Idgham (Merging Sound)

In Idgham, the Noon Sakin or Tanween merges into the next letter. There are two types of Idgham: with ghunnah (nasal sound) and without ghunnah.
  • Idgham with Ghunnah: Happens with these letters: ي, ن, م, و.
  • Idgham without Ghunnah: Happens with these letters: ل, ر.
Examples:
  • Idgham with Ghunnah: مَن يَعْمَلْ (Man Ya’mal) – Noon Sakin before ي غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ (Ghafoorun Raheem) – Tanween before ر
  • Idgham without Ghunnah: مِن رَبِّهِمْ (Min Rabbihim) – Noon Sakin before ر هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِينَ (Hudan Lil Muttaqeen) – Tanween before ل

3. Iqlab (Changing Sound)

In Iqlab, the Noon Sakin or Tanween changes into a Meem sound when followed by the letter ب (Ba). Example:
  • مِن بَعْدِ (Min Ba’di) – Noon Sakin before ب
  • سَمِيعٌ بَصِيرٌ (Samee’un Baseer) – Tanween before ب

4. Ikhfa (Hidden Sound)

In Ikhfa, the Noon Sakin or Tanween is hidden. We make a nasal sound (ghunnah), but the Noon is not pronounced clearly. This happens when the next letter is any letter except the throat letters, Idgham letters, or ب. Example:
  • مِن شَرِّ (Min Sharri) – Noon Sakin before ش
  • عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ (Azaabun Shadeed) – Tanween before ش

Difference Between Noon Sakin and Tanween

Noon Sakin is an actual Noon (ن) without a vowel, which appears in the middle or end of a word. Tanween is a double vowel (ـً , ـٍ , ـٌ)that sounds like a hidden Noon at the end of a word. Although they are different, both Noon Sakin and Tanween follow the same Tajweed rules, like Izhar, Idgham, Iqlab, and Ikhfa.  

Summary:

  • Izhar: Clear sound of Noon Sakin or Tanween. Example: مَنْ آمَنَ (Man Aamana), جَنَّةٍ عَالِيَةٍ (Jannatin ‘Aaliyah)
  • Idgham: Merging sound. Example: مَن يَعْمَلْ (Man Ya’mal), غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ (Ghafoorun Raheem)
  • Iqlab: Changing sound (Noon becomes Meem). Example: مِن بَعْدِ (Min Ba’di), سَمِيعٌ بَصِيرٌ (Samee’un Baseer)
  • Ikhfa: Hidden sound (with nasal sound). Example: مِن شَرِّ (Min Sharri), عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ (Azaabun Shadeed)
  By practicing these rules of Tajweed, you will improve your Quran recitation. If you want to learn these and other Tajweed rules in more detail, you can join Online Tajweed courses at Qtvtutor. Our experienced and highly qualified teachers teach all the Tajweed rules with clear explanations so that you can recite the Holy Quran accurately. Sign up now and improve your Quran Tajwed with us.